Hibernian Board Supports Head Coach Gray Amidst Poor League Form, No Specific Targets Set

David Gray has not been given any specific objectives by the Hibernian board, which deemed it necessary to release a statement affirming its support for the head coach. The team faced boos from fans following a 2-1 home defeat by St Mirren, a result that places them at the bottom of the Premiership with a mere eight points from 12 matches. The 36-year-old Gray is scheduled to lead Hibs in an away match against Dundee this Saturday, where the team will be pursuing only their second league win. On November 11, a concise statement was issued, emphasizing the board’s endorsement of Gray and his coaching staff, alongside the declaration that “all departments are under pressure to deliver.” When questioned about whether specific short-term objectives were discussed with sporting director Malky Mackay, Gray responded: “No, it’s just what the statement clearly says, which is they’re continuing to support me. “No ultimatum so to speak. It was pretty self-explanatory for me, which is you need to start winning quickly. We know that, I’m well aware of that.”He further elaborated: “It’s not a case of one game, two games, three games, how many points it could be over the course of that.”Gray also noted the board’s commitment: “They’ve said they’ll give me time and they’ve been true to their word.”He acknowledged the team’s performance, stating: “I understand the points return for the number of games we’ve had for me as a manager is not good enough, so we’ve been consistent with that, but also been consistent in saying that it needs to turn – and it needs to turn quickly.” Should Hibs secure a victory at Dens Park, they would move to within one point of Dundee, currently in seventh place. Dundee previously achieved a late 2-2 draw against Hibs at Easter Road in late August. Gray expressed confidence in the potential for rapid improvement, stating: “”I take a lot of belief from how quickly things can change,” said Gray. “We’ve got three games in the next week. I know the need for points is massive and I’m not looking past the Dundee game.”” Gray, who joined Hibs as a player in 2014, commented on managing the negative sentiment surrounding his challenging start as manager, stating that “you have to push it away.” He further elaborated on his role: “”As a head coach, it’s not always directly my fault for something but it’s 100% my responsibility,” he said. “So, whatever way we go around that, there’s no point in pointing fingers and blaming other people. I look at myself first and foremost. “We talk about accountability, looking at yourself, asking ‘can you do more?’ “We stick together through times of adversity, no feeling sorry for yourself. It’s not going to change by doing that.”Gray also reflected on his tenure and the club’s expectations: “I’ve been here a long time. I understand the expectation, I’ve said that numerous times, the demands. And even if we were to win the next couple of games, that pressure and demand doesn’t go away.””